Rats are a growing problem for pistachio farmers, particularly in orchards relying on drip and micro irrigation systems. The damage they cause extends beyond chewed lines; it affects water distribution, crop quality, and farm profitability.

Why Drip Irrigation Lines Are Targeted

Drip lines provide water directly to pistachio trees, making them a favorite target for rats:

• Convenient Location: Lines are close to the ground, where rats naturally
• Teeth Constantly Growing: Rats chew drip hoses to manage their ever-growing teeth (incisors). This damage forces us to replace sometimes 4 to 8 feet of hose at a time.
• Easy to Gnaw: Plastic tubing is soft enough for rodents to Incisors cut through plastic hose like butta!
  
  

The Domino Effect of Rat Damage

A single rat infestation can have cascading effects on orchard operations:

• Food: They eat our nuts… a lot of them! Costing us $$$.
• Harvest: Rat burrows prevent nuts from being properly harvested, picked-
• Mud-pits: interrupts tractor work, other equipment from entering the
• Higher Expenses: Labor cost to send crews in the field to repair
  
  

Barn Owls: The Natural Solution

Barn Owls are an efficient, effective and sustainable way to control rats in pistachio orchards:

• Predator Efficiency: A Barn Owl family (3-6 owls) can consume 60 pounds of rats per year, quickly reducing populations.
• Low Maintenance: Once installed, Barn Owl boxes require minimal upkeep, once a year
• Cost-Effective: Compared to repeated repairs or chemical treatments, Barn Owl boxes are a long-term investment.
  
  

Protect Your Pistachio Orchard

Don’t let rats sabotage your irrigation system and crop yields. By addressing the issue with natural predators like Barn Owls and proactive management strategies, you can protect your investment and ensure healthy pistachio production. Contact us to learn how to implement sustainable rodent control solutions tailored to your farm.

Learn more, call Nick at 559-352-8067. Email TheOwlBoxCompany@gmail.com or visit www.OwlBoxCompany.com